Ten Ways to Get a Date in 2013

If your New Year’s resolution is to date more, you’re not alone. Here are ten get-a-date strategies for 2013. Good luck!

1. eHarmony. You’re already here, right? Online dating has long lost its stigma. Be intentional about finding love in 2013 and let technology play a role in setting you up with Mr. or Mrs. Right.

2. Get involved. Staying at home on a Friday night will not score you a date. Instead, volunteer your time with causes you care about. Join a community choir or sports league. Volunteer with your church. Sign up to serve dinner at a local soup kitchen. You’ll feel great about giving back, plus you’re likely to meet new people and learn plenty about yourself in the process.

3. Try something new. If you’ve always wanted to take cooking classes, now’s the time. Look back at other resolutions and bucket-list items and decide to take action and try new things. You’ll be forced into new social circles — and meeting new people is half the battle, right?

4. Ask for a setup. If you want to go on dates, let your friends know. Friend-of-a-friend setups make for the best blind dates as someone has done some preliminary screening for you. If your best friend thinks you’d get along great with her boyfriend’s cousin, let her play matchmaker for you. Be sure to invite her to the wedding.

5. Head to singles’ events. There are events held in almost every city designed to help singles meet each other. Sign up and go. Not only will you likely meet new friends, your very presence says that you’re single and are willing to be intentional about meeting someone special.

6. Say yes. Don’t put pressure on first dates or overanalyze a potential date before it happens. Dating is easier when you relax and enjoy the process. If it’s your New Year’s resolution to go on more dates, then revel in meeting that goal with every date you schedule. Don’t expect each date to lead to love, and don’t say no to a date just because you’re not sure if you want to marry them. A first date is not a contract.

8. Ask someone out. The best way to get a date is to ask someone out. Sure, it’s terrifying, but if you push aside that fear of rejection and take a risk or two this year, you just might end up spending an evening with the love of your life.

9. Say yes to social events. Don’t know anyone else who’s going to your coworker’s wedding this July? Great. Put on a dress (or a suit), stand tall, and smile — and say yes to that invitation to dance. Treat each social engagement as an opportunity to meet new people.

10. Be approachable. Look strangers in the eye and smile. Engage in friendly banter and even dare to flirt a little. The best way to get a date is to appear dateable, so don’t shy away from opportunities to interact with other singles.